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Comment by cageface | Hacker News Reader

Yet still most people develop for iOS first and then later port to Android, if at all. It's really not a comparable situation at all.

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That was true about seven to ten years ago.

Absolutely still true today. If you think otherwise you are clearly not in the business of developing mobile apps. Ten years ago native mobile apps were barely even a thing.

Take the HQ app for just one recent high profile app out of countless other examples.

Absolutely not true today and I am in that business. The number of companies which are iOS-only or even iOS-first is negligible these days. In most cases both platforms are supported, often with Android having a head start.

I’ve been developing mobile apps professionally for 8 years. Clients want and care about iOS first. Android gets kicked down the road and outsourced to a third party every time. The only thing that’s changed is that people realize they need an android version eventually, instead of just ignoring it completely.

Maybe it’s different in some other markets but this is simply irrefutable in the USA and anybody trying to argue otherwise is just being disingenuous.

Eight years ago I'd agree with you, probably even five-ish, but for the past two, three years there is virtually no difference anymore and Android is usually the priority, except for some designer firms who still live in their Apple bubble.

For the US market it might be different, as it is one of the few markets where Apple is still the clear leader.

iOS rules the USA startup market, which is still where most of the money and energy is globally. Believe me I’d prefer that this were not the case.

I am not arguing iOS'es market share in the US, I am saying it is of faaaaaaaaar less relevance outside the US.

Both of you are insisting your own experience is more correct, without any imperical evidence or empathy. Take a moment to step back and realize your perspective isn't the only one.

What?

I cant do more than provide the numbers my statements are based on. Please go and check that before you make wild allgations about lack of evidence or empathy.

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